We now have an explaination for why Jack is having all the cramping and more bowel movements......GvHD (Graft vs.Host diesease) was found in his gut. Below is an explanation of what it is. EBV (Epstein -Barr Virus) was also found. I'm not exactly sure what this means, all I know is that I am taking a trip down to Philly in the morning to have bloodwork done again and talk about how this will all be managed. We have been very fortunate so far with Jack's transplant, so I am hoping that this is just another little bump in the road. All the doc's had a pow-pow today to discuss the results and a plan was put in place. They have increased Jack's dose of prednisone and prograf to help. We will find out more once we sit down with the doc's.
Jack is a fighter and this won't get in his way. One thing is for sure, the increase in prednisone will help him gain his weight back and as once said by another doctor, "A bigger Jack will be a better Jack" and he has proven that statement many times. Thanks for all the prayers and keep them coming.
Graft-vs-host disease (GvHD) is a complication that is observed after allogeneic stem cell transplant. GvHD occurs when infection-fighting cells from the donor recognize the patient’s body as being different or foreign. These infection-fighting cells then attack tissues in the patient’s body just as if they were attacking an infection. GvHD is categorized as acute when it occurs within the first 100 days after transplantation and chronic if it occurs more than 100 days after transplantation. Tissues typically involved include the liver, gastrointestinal tract and skin.
EBV is the short name for Epstein-Barr Virus infection, also called Mononucleosis, "Mono," and the "kissing disease." This virus is a member of the family of Herpes viruses that includes Herpes Simplex, which causes "cold sores" on the lips and mouth as well as genital Herpes; Herpes Zoster which causes Chicken Pox and Shingles; and CMV or cytomegalovirus, a virus that commonly infects post-transplant patients.
Comments (2)
We know it's hard, but thanks for keeping us up-to-date. We all care so much! We'll keep you in our prayers, as always.
Love,
Mike & Robin
Posted by Robin | August 3, 2006 8:09 AM
Posted on August 3, 2006 08:09
I had no idea all of this was going on. I'm so sorry to be out of touch. We hope and pray Jack will be feeling better and increasing some of the meds is all he will need. Our prayers are with you guys. Like you say, NEMO boys are special and for all they have had to endure, its only proper for the rest of their lives to be a breeze. Keep the faith and keep us posted. We will say an extra prayer for Jack tonight. God Bless. Tracy (never seems to end does it?)
Posted by Tracy | August 2, 2006 10:08 PM
Posted on August 2, 2006 22:08